Film Studies

Overview
The course will follow the WJEC Board’s specification and will involve the analysis of texts and production of written aspects of film such as screenplays and plot outlines .

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: FM 1: An introduction to film analysis looking at ‘micro’ features of film and the role of the spectator and the producer. Assessment will take the form of a 1,500 word essay on an extract chosen by the candidate and a ‘Creative Project’ with an extended step outline/plot summary.
Unit 2: FM 2: This involves looking at both British and American cinema. Section A focuses on the relationship between producers and audiences, narrative and genre conventions and personal responses to texts for both countries. Section B looks at British film and genre – e.g. covering horror and comedy. Section C incorporates the US element and involves comparison between two similar texts from different eras e.g. ‘Do The Right Thing’ and ‘Crash’, ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ and ‘Bad Day At Black Rock’. Assessment is an essay question on each section in a 2 ½ hour examination.

A2 Level
Unit 3: FM 3: This takes the form of a small-scale research project and a creative project. The former involves research into one focus film and two related films following a framework for analysis. It is assessed by an annotated catalogue and presentation script. The creative project takes the form of a screenplay with evidence of research and planning and evaluative reflection.
Unit 4: FM 4: For the first section (World Cinema) the students will study foreign cinema e.g.’ La Haine’ and ‘City of God’ as examples of urban conflict. Section B, ‘Popular Film and Emotional Response’, allows the students to study film theory set against accessible material like mainstream Hollywood and British films. Section C’s Single Film – Critical Study involves bringing together all of the critical perspectives learned into analysis of a single set text e.g. ‘Fight Club’. Assessment is three essays in 2 ½ hours. One on each section .

Assessment
Practical (45%)
Examination (55%)
Examining Board – WJEC

Special Entry Requirements
None.

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Film Studies can help with analytical skills required in a range of professions. Typically students of this subject may choose to follow a course in a similar area at degree level. Typical career paths involve film-making, work within digital media and animation .

Other Information
None.

Find out more in our Film Studies Podcast

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.